James Castagnola

Jimmy, my sister Carmen can´t write because of her stroke, but she remembers you every day. You were one of her best friends. I will never ever forget you either, you made me laugh and you made me mad when we worked together, and it was only later that I learned what a good good person you were. You made the life of those around you (people and animals) much better. We love you, Jimmy.

It was a year ago today, on your birthday, that I discovered your name on this website. Through a random and fleeting idea, my spirit told me to look. I didn't know you were entertaining the angels, just beyond this world, where the breath of reality slips into the permanence of mime, My heart plummeted to the base of my existence, Jimbo. Despair, confusion, and guilt quivered against my chest. In the last years, I saw you rarely: kids, family, shows, new jobs, master's, tournaments,...

I miss you so much. The void is great, Jimbo. I have a Jimbo-shaped void in my life.

Jimmy was the sweetest guy I ever knew. I'm just finding out about his passing after many unanswered texts. I am deeply moved and shocked at this news. He never judged others and was always up for life. We knew each other for over forty years. We went to acting class together, he taught me to box and my first life lesson, relax under pressure and wait for your opportunity. Besides girls and night clubs, we shared many interests like billiards and chess. For the last decade or more we played...

Jimbo was the best man at my wedding. We met at CSULB in the Theatre Department. Who knew two mimes would find each other? From those early days of shows and classes, to my wedding, to my kids birthdays and holidays, to long nights of fun, you were one of my very best friends. I love you and will miss you immensely.

I'll always remember the Thanksgiving dinners we spent together at my mom's house. Jimmy, you were a great friend to my mom and you'll be dearly missed.